First, Kruger doesn't give the team give the team nothing. Like I said, Kruger's value goes beyond points. Kruger provides a defensive game and excellence in faceoffs. It's nice to have a centre to rely on other than Toews.

Thant being said, Shaw provides a lot that Kruger does not - offense, physical tenacity, visible overall excitement for the game.

My point is that Shaw and Kruger both offer value to the team but in different ways. The team would be hurt by losing either guy as they are quality forwards. If you want to make the argument that Danault could have replaced Kruger then you can make a similar argument that McNeill or Hartman can replace Shaw.

It's unfortunately the salary cap grow has slowed down. Had cap continued to grow at it's previous pace there would have been no issue keeping both of these excellent forwards.
- DarthKane

I don't disagree that Kruger brings something to the table but IMO it's easier to replace Kruger then it will to replace Shaw. Yes, the cap has screwed them in that regard, but it's only going to get worse for Stnaley.

If you haven't see the Panarin quotes from the IHF you need to read those. he flat out makes not of the hawks cap situation.

I'll keep saying it Bowman has SOME huge decisions to make to not lose assets he has no replacement for and to fit under the cap. Somebody outside of Shaw is also leaving this summer and it's not going to be just Bickell.

I don't disagree that Kruger brings something to the table but IMO it's easier to replace Kruger then it will to replace Shaw. Yes, the cap has screwed them in that regard, but it's only going to get worse for Stnaley.

If you haven't see the Panarin quotes from the IHF you need to read those. he flat out makes not of the hawks cap situation.

I'll keep saying it Bowman has SOME huge decisions to make to not lose assets he has no replacement for and to fit under the cap. Somebody outside of Shaw is also leaving this summer and it's not going to be just Bickell.
- SteveRain

I wouldn't be so sure that this other piece is leaving this summer. I am willing to bet they wait until next.

I don't disagree that Kruger brings something to the table but IMO it's easier to replace Kruger then it will to replace Shaw. Yes, the cap has screwed them in that regard, but it's only going to get worse for Stnaley.

If you haven't see the Panarin quotes from the IHF you need to read those. he flat out makes not of the hawks cap situation.

I'll keep saying it Bowman has SOME huge decisions to make to not lose assets he has no replacement for and to fit under the cap. Somebody outside of Shaw is also leaving this summer and it's not going to be just Bickell.
- SteveRain

If Panarin wants a big payday, he's gone...simple as that. Plenty of teams have tons of cash to throw at him, we do not. If he likes the Hawks as a team, who he plays with, how he's treated, and the potential to be a cup contender year after year he may stay for slightly less. BUT I very much doubt it, another causality of poor decision making by Stan/Q and the Cap to come.

If Panarin wants a big payday, he's gone...simple as that. Plenty of teams have tons of cash to throw at him, we do not. If he likes the Hawks as a team, who he plays with, how he's treated, and the potential to be a cup contender year after year he may stay for slightly less. BUT I very much doubt it, another causality of poor decision making by Stan/Q and the Cap to come.
- Murph76

What I took from his interview was that he needs to get paid. Hawks let Panarin walk and they officially have 1 Top 6 winger. If Panarin walks next summer, Hawks will be a lottery team.

If we had Daley we'd be discussing losing Shaw and Kruger.
- DarthKane

Not insinuating that Daley is the guy, but #4D > 4th line center in my opinion.

What I took from his interview was that he needs to get paid. Hawks let Panarin walk and they officially have 1 Top 6 winger. If Panarin walks next summer, Hawks will be a lottery team.
- EnzoD

I'm sure that is what Panarin has been aiming for since joining the Hawks. Join the Hawks, get his value sky high and cash in. I don't think they keep him for anything less than 6 mil per year.

What I took from his interview was that he needs to get paid. Hawks let Panarin walk and they officially have 1 Top 6 winger. If Panarin walks next summer, Hawks will be a lottery team.
- EnzoD

I expect they will get something in return if he walks, as he's an RFA.

Danault is the most overrated player on these boards. Everyone pencils him in as a future 3C in this league. From what I've seen he's a defensively responsible hard working player that has zero offensive capability, doesn't produce, isn't noticeably fast or skilled, and doesn't win many face offs. Sounds much MUCH more like a career 4th liner if anything.

Trying to catch up here, but I do agree on Daley. LIke I said yesterday, at the time of the trade I didn't hate it. You got back a Oduya type player and veteran depth guy who add some scoring. Now whatever happened has gone done, and like others I am willing to pass a lot of blame around but the organization's commitment to TVR I am going to bet played a large role in Daley wanting out. IF they would have slotted Daley in the 3/4 D spot and put TVR down below....he's probably still here.

NO qualms on Sekac. That guy did nothing me unlike Panik who at least showed promise. Sekac just floated around reason why he's on his 4th in a little amount of time.

For those who were on the Daily herald blog back in the summer of 2009 when Bolland got his ASININE deal, and know how much I despised that deal....I know look at Kruger the same way.

I have given up hope Shaw is returning. It piisses me off to no end, as if you want to argue possible back/concussion issues for Shaw, find me another NHL player who gets absolutely smoked like Kruger does. He has no idea how not to put himself in bad positions and is a free hit stat for anyone who wants it. Throw in his bad wrist and you have Bolland part deux.

At least good ole Bollus could score....

So how does Shaw and his agent ignore the fact that the Hawks just committed a 3.083 cap hit for 3 years to a guy who statistically might be no better then Mike Hudson, or Mike Eagles. Great win that draw, Marcus, but then skate off the ice because John SCott may have a better chance at scoring....

Kruger....

328 games played, 28 goals, 60 assists---regular season
83 games played, 6 goals, 9 assists----playoffs

His defenders will point to his overall game. Great. Shaw has a more complete versatile game....Could Kruger skate top 6 as well as bottom 6? Not a chance in hell. And for all the big goals Kruger has scored in the playoffs, the only one I really recall is his OT winner vs Anaheim in game 2....possibly the last time he has scored.

Shaw.....
302 games played, 70 g, 60 assists---regular season
64 games played, 16 g, 18 assists---playoffs

And I'm sure we can all recall a lot more crucial Shaw goals then Krugers in meaningful moments.

I just dont' get the rational and if we want to bash Q about linesups, then why not bash the FO on trading Danault who I'm damn sure given similar linemates produces more.

Kruger is one of the worst bangs for the buck on this team, and will cost you more then shaw, and I'm sure EVERY GM in the league scoffed at the cap hit the Hawks gave a guy to be a glorified PK and faceoff man.
- SteveRain

Who does not have much physicality to his game. At least Bolland threw some big checks too. I don't think other coaches sit up at night worrying about getting their top lines away from Kruger.

Danault is the most overrated player on these boards. Everyone pencils him in as a future 3C in this league. From what I've seen he's a defensively responsible hard working player that has zero offensive capability, doesn't produce, isn't noticeably fast or skilled, and doesn't win many face offs. Sounds much MUCH more like a career 4th liner if anything.
- SimpleJack

You just described Kruger. Except Danault is a better skater than Kruger.

What I took from his interview was that he needs to get paid. Hawks let Panarin walk and they officially have 1 Top 6 winger. If Panarin walks next summer, Hawks will be a lottery team.
- EnzoD

On the bright side, at least Panarin would be an RFA and Stan should be able to get a healthy return for him if he has to be dealt.

Not insinuating that Daley is the guy, but #4D > 4th line center in my opinion.
- Fat_Tony_Amonte

Agreed. But it 4D > Shaw + Kruger?

On the bright side, at least Panarin would be an RFA and Stan should be able to get a healthy return for him if he has to be dealt.
- DarthKane

It's going to be an interesting 15 months....

You just described Kruger. Except Danault is a better skater than Kruger.
- bhawks2241

and Danault is a former 1st rounder that has more upside. I love what Kruger brings but it's just too pricey for the Hawks cap structure...UNLESS Krugs produces like a 3C next year.

It's going to be an interesting 15 months....
- EnzoD

Agreed. Hopefully we see a healthy increase in the cap in 2017.

Anybody who thinks Marcus Kruger is not a 3 million dollar player is wrong.

Anybody who thinks he doesn't move extremely well and have a terrific short term burst, great vision and set up skills needs to look again.

I won't say I am the definitive expert on every one of their prospects from what I watched for my junior player mock draft, but again, find it laughable on how any Blackhawk fan who has seen Danault in these limited viewing on TV and the UC to already have a clear evaluation and comparison between Kruger and Danault.

Take a swipe at Kruger if you want, but don't argue beyond your level of evaluation or link any past comments about how Danault might be a future replacement for him, b/c it at this juncture is not a playing field you can stand on without holes, slopes and bare spots.

What I took from his interview was that he needs to get paid. Hawks let Panarin walk and they officially have 1 Top 6 winger. If Panarin walks next summer, Hawks will be a lottery team.
- EnzoD

If Bowman waits too long, he will definitely get an offer sheet and at that point there is no way the Hawks will be able to afford him.

Anybody who thinks Marcus Kruger is not a 3 million dollar player is wrong.
- wiz1901

Wiz,

I have maintained from the day he inked his extension that Marcus Kruger has an NHL Market Value of about $2.5-$3mil/year. On this Salary Cap strapped team, I do not think the Hawks can afford to pay a glorified 4C $3mil/year. We will see what Stan decides to do with the rest of the roster this year, but Kruger for a longer term at $2mil would have been ideal.

and Danault is a former 1st rounder that has more upside. I love what Kruger brings but it's just too pricey for the Hawks cap structure...UNLESS Krugs produces like a 3C next year.
- EnzoD

Bingo! A team that has problems scoring 5 on 5 can't have Kruger and say Moose as their bottom 6 centers. Unless you want minimal offensive output again next year. Kruger needs to have 10-15 goals and 30-40 pts. Not 1 point in 20 some games.

If Bowman waits too long, he will definitely get an offer sheet and at that point there is no way the Hawks will be able to afford him.
- Murph76

I doubt Stan waits too long, I would expect that he's handle Panarin like he did with Saad if it becomes apparent he has to be dealt.

Agreed. But it 4D > Shaw + Kruger?
- DarthKane

I don't think so.

Wiz,

I have maintained from the day he inked his extension that Marcus Kruger has an NHL Market Value of about $2.5-$3mil/year. On this Salary Cap strapped team, I do not think the Hawks can afford to pay a glorified 4C $3mil/year. We will see what Stan decides to do with the rest of the roster this year, but Kruger for a longer term at $2mil would have been ideal.
- EnzoD

I like Kruger a lot, but this is my sentiment as well.

"There’s nothing quite like an endorsement from the game’s all-time greatest defenseman.
Trevor Daley can now boast about this distinction after Bobby Orr repeatedly praised his game to Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford.

And when the opportunity to add the blue-liner by way of Chicago presented itself earlier this season, Rutherford jumped."

http://hockeynews.tk/bobb...vor-daley-to-penguins-gm/

Interesting that other teams saw value in him, but the FO spun it as he just wasn't a fit. Oduya wasn't a fit, and then he was. He initial time here was a bit rocky, but eventually he found his groove. Daley's transition game would have been nice to have, as was Campbell's when he came back vs Nashville, and Leddy was at times.

Mark me as someone who doesn't have confidence that the dynamic between FO and Q will bring anymore Cups. It's been great, but seen too many good vets die on the vine here, players who came here with some value, but were eventually dealt for pennies on the dollar. Not even blaming the FO so much on these, as Q, and whatever evaluation process he's working.

If there is a disconnect between both parties, I'm surprised more hasn't come out. Then again, McD likes everything on the hush hush.
- howiehandles

This is becoming one of those things . . .

Whispers coming from around the team that they "could have used Daley in the playoffs but Q made up his mind about him after one practice."

Ouch.

Anybody who thinks Marcus Kruger is not a 3 million dollar player is wrong.
- wiz1901

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
(this)

Can we please factor in to Shaw vs. Kruger the fact that Shaw is given more opportunities to score? Kruger RARELY has any time on PP. He is also probably, I don't have the stats in front of me, more D-zone draws. Kruger's job is to shut down the opposing top scoring line. And he does it well. Does that translate to money? Obviously the Hawks think so.